Decoding Protein Bars: How to Pick the Right One

How do you know how much sugar is in a protein bar?

Hone in on the “Sugars” line on the Nutrition Facts Panel. Currently, this number includes both naturally occurring sugars from fruit and milk and added sugars, where the latter just contributes empty calories. Some food manufactures have begun line itemizing added sugars, which will be required by federal law July 2018 for companies with food sales of $10 million or more. Smaller companies will get an extra year to comply. Until then, read the ingredients list to try to figure out where those sugars are coming from. 4 grams sugar is the equivalent to 1teaspoon table sugar.

Sucralose, used in popular low-carb protein bars, is an artificial, zero-calorie sweetener.